The house is unusually quiet right now. Five minutes ago, it was filled with crying, laughter, questioning, phone calls, sweet little voices. I’ve got an empty nest, and my oldest has yet to reach the double digit status. But they’re gone. For now.
I’m realizing how my world is so wrapped up in the needs of three other little bodies that when they’re not here, I feel a bit lost. Whose mess do I pick up now? Which quarrel do I stop? What food do I prepare for lunch? Which hand needs to be held? Whose tear do I wipe away? Where is the scrape I need to tend to and kiss? Who do I tell to be quiet? To get along? To use words, and nice ones at that? Where is that body that barely squeezes on my lap but still needs a snuggle?
I admit, I grow weary doing the refereeing, the washing, the cleaning, the cooking, the guiding, the disciplining, but I miss those kisses and hugs, the snuggles, the smiles and laughter. And right now, I even miss those temper tantrums too.
Today, I am choosing to be thankful for those difficult moments because that means I still have three extra bodies to hold. I am grateful for all the moments God’s gifted me with my little ones. Because life can get unusually quiet in so short a time. And next time, it may not just be for the day, but eternity.
